Game Review + No Time To Panic

I finally finished my Detailed Game Review.  I mentioned in my early review that Jamar Chaney had played better than last week.  Oops.  The game tape wasn't as kind as my eyes when I watched it live.  Jamar was disappointing.  He needs a terrific game on Thursday to earn a spot.  Brandon Graham was the opposite.  I liked what I saw live, but loved what I saw on tape.  Oddly, his run defense is what's impressed me the most. 

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There is too much anxiety right now.  Has the preseason gone as well as we hoped?  No, absolutely not.  I've been quite disappointed by what our offense has done.  I didn't expect great things this summer, but hoped to see a group that could move the ball efficiently and score some TDs.  The offense relied on big plays rather than good execution.  The starters only got in the endzone once, and that came on a short field.  The O-line has been a major disappointment.  We knew C would be a position with issues.  We didn't count on Max and Stacy being so up and down at G.  We didn't think the OTs would make so many mistakes and play like they have. 

I understand how people are concerned by the situation, but I also think people are forgetting one key thing...we have a lot of talent.  The offense isn't in rhythm.  Things aren't clicking.  That doesn't mean the situation won't improve.  Kolb did some very good things last year in 2 starts.  DeSean and Maclin played very well in '09.  Brent Celek is a top shelf TE.  Shady McCoy looks improved from last year.  That's a lot of firepower.  Don't mistake a sluggish start for the fact that we can't move the ball or score points.  Improved blocking and doing some gameplanning will make a difference. 

Where's the improved blocking coming from?  Getting Todd Herremans back full time will make a difference.  You could see his ability vs KC.  As for the return of Jamaal Jackson...I'm not sure what to say.  We'll see how that goes.  I'm also not sure how Nick Cole fits into the equation.  He could start at C or RG.  Or be our top reserve.  I think playing full games will build cohesion and improve the situation. 

We all had questions about the defense coming into the summer.  Most of the answers have been positive or very positive.  I'm sure some people have concerns about specific areas.  Overall I think most people should be pleased about what we've seen.  Brandon Graham looks like the real deal at LDE.  Stewart Bradley is healthy and the LB corps has played well.  Ellis Hobbs has held his own at RCB.  Nate Allen looks like he can become a good FS.  I'm very optimistic about this group. 

STs has been a disappointment.  Bobby April hasn't provided the kind of instant impact we hoped for, but I do think the group will play a lot better in the regular season.  April has played a lot of different guys for evaluation reasons.  He'll find a core group for the season and that will make a difference.  Focus on individual talent for now.  Sav Rocca is having a good summer.  David Akers has been terrific.  Quintin Demps looks like he'll be a good KOR.  DeSean has proven in the past that he's an explosive, dynamic PR.  

Look around the rest of the NFC East.  No team is playing well right now.  Dallas' offense was worse than ours this weekend.  And that's with a veteran QB and lots of talent.  The Giants have struggled more than people expected.  No one is sure what to make of Washington.  They were great in the opener, but that had as much to do with Buffalo struggling as anything else.  The last 2 weeks haven't been so kind. 

I know part of the problem right now is that a lot of people watched Green Bay put up 59 points on Indy on Thursday night.  We open with GB and that worries people.  Me too.  I would not project us to win that game as of now.  However, do understand that the Colts have been torched each week for big plays and plenty of points.  Our defense has allowed 66 points in 3 weeks.  Indy has given up 130.  The Packers offense looked great in the game, but they won't have a cake walk when it comes to facing our D.   

We are young this season.  That will lead to some ups and downs.  That's okay, though.  After all, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.  We have good coaches.  We have talented players.  Don't lose sight of those two facts. 

We might start slowly or be erratic, but I'm still expecting a good overall season.